Have only read the first page so far....
I met my ex husband on the internet. Through a witness message board actually. Went overseas and met him. Ignored all the warning signs. Online dated him for about a year. Married to him for almost 5yrs. Now divorced (next month) and separated 18mths.
Point being, while some internet relationships work, most don't. In order for them to be successful, both parties have to be 100% honest about themselves. It is easy to hide behind a computer screen and keyboard. But face to face, the truth comes out. In real life dating, you would hope that over time quirks in personality would surface. I realise sometimes they don't and the rose coloured glasses stay on, or one person is a damn good liar. But there is such a huge difference from talking to someone on a computer, versus face to face.
I've never had the chance to date in person. My first boyfriend was my ex husband and it was all done online. I missed out on getting flowers (never ever got any from him even while married), holding hands, sneaking kisses when noone was looking, going out to the movies, walking along the beach. I missed out on those deep and meaningful conversations lovers have face to face. But most of all, I missed out on seeing him for what he really was and that's because I couldn't see his interactions with other people, his family, friends or coworkers. If I had, I would've run a mile! He had absolutely no social skills and noone liked him. He was a narcissistic so and so.
If you online date, it's about more than being careful and open minded. You have to be prepared to date for a long time, because you really need time 'face to face' to get to know each other properly. I do understand that in some instances two people just 'click' and it works out from the word go. But in most cases not.
Would I do it again? No!